Causes of valvular heart disease
Causes of valvular heart disease Valvular heart disease refers to damage or defect in one or more of the heart’s valves, which regulate blood flow through the heart’s chambers. The causes of valvular heart disease are diverse, stemming from congenital abnormalities, acquired conditions, infections, or degenerative processes. Understanding these causes is vital for early diagnosis, effective management, and prevention.
Congenital defects are one of the primary causes of valvular heart disease, especially in younger individuals. These structural abnormalities are present at birth and can involve malformed or fused valves. Conditions such as bicuspid aortic valve or pulmonary stenosis are examples of congenital valvular anomalies. Such defects may remain silent for years but can eventually lead to significant stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) as the individual ages.
Causes of valvular heart disease Degenerative changes are common causes of valvular disease in the elderly. Over time, the heart valves, especially the aortic and mitral valves, undergo calcification and thickening. This process, called degenerative valvular disease, results in stiffened valves that do not open or close properly. Factors contributing to degeneration include aging itself, lipid accumulation, and calcium deposition, mirroring processes seen in atherosclerosis.
Infections are another significant cause, particularly rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis. Rheumatic fever, a complication of untreated or inadequately treated streptococcal infections, can cause inflammation and scarring of the heart valves. This often affects the mitral valve but can involve others as well, leading to stenosis or regurgitation. Infective endocarditis, caused by bacteria or fungi infecting the endocardial surface, can damage the valve leaflets, causing perforation, destruction, or abscess formation, which impair valve function. Causes of valvular heart disease
Causes of valvular heart disease Other acquired factors include connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or systemic lupus erythematosus. These conditions can weaken the structural integrity of valve tissues, leading to prolapse or dilation of the valve annulus. Additionally, radiation therapy directed at the chest can cause fibrosis and calcification of the valves, contributing to valvular dysfunction.
Trauma or injury to the chest can sometimes damage the valves, although this is less common. Furthermore, certain medications or toxins may induce valvular disease; for example, exposure to certain chemotherapeutic agents like quinine has been linked to valvular fibrosis. Causes of valvular heart disease
In summary, the causes of valvular heart disease are multifaceted, involving congenital malformations, degenerative processes related to aging, infectious illnesses, systemic diseases, and environmental factors. Recognizing these causes is essential for clinicians to develop appropriate treatment strategies and to implement preventive measures where possible. Causes of valvular heart disease
